The Look for Less

You know what I love? Shoes. Specifically, I really love these shoes... (below)

You know what I don't love? The price tag. These Michael Kors pumps will run you about 120 dollars. That's 120 dollars that most college students cannot pay (guilt-free) for a pair of heels.

Luckily, I found an incredibly similar pair for WAY LESS at DSW. These pumps only cost $49.95. I can deal with that.

They look pretty much the same to me. What do you think? Sorry, M. Kors. I think you're great, but I don't know many college students who can afford you.

So, for any girl out there who has ever fallen in love with a pair of shoes, only to look at the price tag and get a sad, sinking feeling in her heart, remember that you can probably find a comparable pair for much less expensive. Every once in a while, (but definitely not all of the time) you might be sacrificing quality. Weigh your options and see if the money saved is worth it, but do keep in mind that there's always a more affordable shoe out there for you to fall in love with.

An Inspired Shoe

I went to the mall last week and spotted these heels at Forever 21. They instantly caught my eye and their light, nautical vibe made me crave summer (or at least my upcoming spring break trip.) They are the kind of shoes that you can build an ensemble around and that easily transition from winter to summer. They didn't have my size in the store, but I was able to find them online. Although, I haven't yet purchased them, I can't help but think about all of the different outfits they would go with.

(click to enlarge)

Outfit number 1: perfect for the winter 
Forever 21 peep toe heels: $22.80
Piperlime grey sweater: on sale for $38.97 from $97.00
Charlotte Russe Jegging: $20.00 
Forever 21 Beaded necklace: $5.80


Total cost: $87.57 


Outfit number 2: when you feel like dressing up 
Forever 21 peep toe heels: $22.80
Forever 21 bubble lace dress: $27.80
Forever 21 skinny belt: $2.80 


Total cost: $53.40 


Outfit number 3: on a summer day 
Forever 21 peep toe heels: $22.80
Forever 21 nautical knit shorts: $11.80 
Forever 21 soft pleats top: $19.80


Total cost: $54.40

Patriotism and a Sale

In honor of Veteran's Day, Charlotte Russe is having a sale that lasts until Sunday. While Charlotte Russe can sometimes have seemingly tasteless clothes, it is always affordable, and some good quality, fashionable items can be found if you're a determined shopper who is willing to sift through a plethora of clothing and accessories to find what you want. If anything, Charlotte Russe is always great for purchasing jewelry, belts, and staples like tank tops and basic tees at inexpensive prices. They also almost always have shoe sales and actually produce some impressive pumps.

Here are some of my favorite sale items:

For those of you in warm weather climates or who are planning winter vacations, these shoes are on sale for 13.99 and also come in pink and white.

This canvas tote is a feminine way to carry your books to class, and it's only 7.99.

This 6.99 necklace would look great with a cardigan or v-neck dress.

This scoop neck is only 8.99 and comes in three other colors.

This sweater is 10.99 and also comes in grey.

Don't Sweat it- Deal of the Week

Until Tuesday, Victoria's Secret is having a 20% off of all sweaters sale. Sweaters are, of course, the quintessential fall and winter gear. There's nothing better than rocking a big (non-itchy) sweater with leggings, tights, or jeans on a brisk day. They come in such great variety, from chunky wool turtlenecks to thin cotton knits, and Victoria's Secret's selection represents each style. If you start a collection of solid color, basic sweaters, it will be tough for them to go out of style, and this sale is the perfect way to stock up. Sweaters can be expensive, and some at Victoria's Secret are, but they are the one item that it is almost necessary to splurge on because good quality is essential for their longevity.

here are some of my favorites, but the website has many more options!

This braided boatneck sweater is 68 dollars before the sale and also comes in black.

This classic sweater is 68 dollars before the sale and also comes in navy.

This sweater is 39 before the sale and comes in 5 colors.

This sweater is 48 dollars before the sale and comes in 8 colors.

Not so Juicy

Velour sweatsuits have always been a source of confusion for me. I never quite understood why someone would pay 200 dollars for a zip up and sweatpants. Though I love the variety of colors the popular sweatsuits have to offer, I personally prefer plain black sweats. Besides, I'm not one for perfect matching, so velour was never even a point of consideration for me. But between midterms and recent rainy days, comfort is constantly on my mind. I've been in need of some new lazy day/studying pants for a while. I mostly wear yoga pants, but I find that they shrink and wear out easily. Last week, I saw a shelf of velour pants and zip ups in one of my favorite bargain stores, New York and Company. Since I am always on the prowl for new sweats, and they had a black pair, I decided to try them on. They were far cozier than I expected, and they fit perfectly. The best part, of course, was that the sweats only cost 29.95, as opposed to the 118 dollar price tag from other brands. I used a 15% discount that New York and Company provided, and I got my new favorite pair of sweats for just 24.95 (So far, I see no difference between this pair and the far more expensive option.)

Designer Shoe Warehouse- Deal of the Week

This past week, I discovered the store DSW. Don't ask me how I had never heard of it before, especially when there is one just 20 minutes away from my school, but as soon as it was brought to my attention, I knew I had to check it out. I'll admit that I was skeptical when first told that DSW sold designer items inexpensively. I assumed the prices would be cheaper, but still outrageous. Luckily, I was wrong.

Though it's tough to think about the years of owning affordable, designer shoes and bags I missed out on by not knowing about DSW earlier, I am happy to say that I am now a proud owner of two wonderful items from the store.

When I first walked in, I was completely overwhelmed by the size of the store and the vast selection. I browsed through the scarves, tights, and purses first. Right away, a black Guess bag caught my eye. It was the slouchy style tote I've wanted for at least a year, but could never afford (Reminiscent of the bag in this post.) Well, this one was on sale for just 60 dollars. That's when I fell in love with DSW.

After grabbing the Guess purse and quickly buzzing through the rest of the bags in an attempt to avoid spending all of my money on wristlets and totes, I headed over to the shoes. I had the goal of finding a pair of short, sued booties for an affordable price. Mission accomplished. I got the "Me Too" brand booties pictured below for just 59.95. I love how they have a heel, yet they are not outrageously high. The best part? They are unbelievably (and surprisingly) comfortable.

Needless to say, I can't wait for my next trip to DSW.

"Me too Fancy booties" Originally 89.95, but only 59.95 at DSW.





Guess bag, on sale for 60 dollars



I love how pretty the inside of this bag is. If a bag is lined with a great, silky design, I'm always more apt to buy it.

GAP excitement.

Although I hate to see the summer come to an end, I like to consider myself a positive person, and I can definitely think of one benefit of the approaching fall: end of season sales. Summer attire is my favorite. I love dresses, shorts, tank tops, and skirts. The sales begin around this time in the season, which is pretty generous of the stores, considering I still wear my summer gear well into September. While buying all of the forgotten leftovers from this season may not be the most appealing shopping experience, I still relish the opportunity to stock up during this time of unbeatable sales. Most of what I buy will still be in style next season, anyway, and if it's not, at least it was a steal.

GAP is a store that I love, but usually can't afford. Well, technically I can afford it, but then my inner-college -student conscience reminds me that I already spend enough money without splurging on 80 dollar jeans. But, every once in a while, the shopping gods answer my prayers and GAP comes out with an end of season sale like the one they've got going on now. Holyyyyyyyy cow.

Check out this page of sales.

Here are some of my favorites from the sale: 

 Cropped skinny jeans for 24.99, originally 69.50. Yes, please.

Jean jacket for 24.99, originally 69.50. I'll take it.                         Adorable floral dress for 29.99, originally 49.50.

                                                                                                                    I'm picturing it with the jacket, and I like what I see.

Total: 79.97    Savings: 108.53

Uhhh, Woah.

Bright and Light

I have officially decided that this blog is in need of a deal of the week. For the first of many, I checked out the sale items at Urban Outfitters, and I definitely found some unbeatable deals. I wanted to focus on dresses, since it's summer, and well, I love dresses. I do realize that not everybody has the same style as I do, so I picked out two different outfits, one bright, and one light, that I think would appeal to girls with different fashion sense (although I love both.)

A Bright Outfit

Disclaimer! Although I don't mind rocking a little attitude up top, I am absolutely not a fan of this hat with the dress. I wish I could chop off her little head for this picture, but since I can't, please just ignore it.

1. This Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue watercolor dress is only 29.90 and was originally 58. I love the front zipper and the swirls of color.

2. These Kimchi blue braided Strappy Thongs, which are only 6.99 from an original price of 28. Don't ask me why they're called "blue braided" because they are gold, but either way, I love them, and I especially love their price.

3. This UO rhinestone rope bracelet is 14.99 on sale from 28, and I think it's perfect for this dress. The pink rope accentuates the bright colors of the dress, and the rhinestones give it some glam. The neckline and the zipper on the dress aren't necklace friendly, which is why a bracelet is the perfect accessory.

4. This bag is a Deena and Ozzy Cross Zip Satchel for only 19.99, and it was originally 68. I jump at any opportunity to get a nice bag for such a steal!

GRAND TOTAL: 70.97 TOTAL SAVINGS: 63.02 :)

A Light Outfit


1. Pins and needles eyelet dress is the name...and the price? 49.99 on sale from an original price of 68.00. It's classy, has beautiful detailing, and also comes in black.

2. These kicks are the one item that did not come from Urban Outfitters. They are Charlotte Russe, and in my opinion, fabulous. I love the strap up the middle, and how well the color goes with the handles of the bag pictured in item number 3. They're called brown T-strap wedge, and they're only 32.50. Right now, Charlotte Russe is having a buy one, get the second 50% off deal on shoes, and since these ones also come in black, I can't help but want both...

3.This Kimchi Blue Linen Braided Strap Hobo Bag is a great size and compliments the necklace. And for only 29.99, It can't be beat, especially when the original price was 48.

4. This necklace is 14.99, but used to be 28. It's called faceted tear drop bead necklace, and I love how it is just the right length for the neckline of the dress.

So what's the damage??

GRAND TOTAL: 127.47 TOTAL SAVINGS: 48. 53 :)

I hope you enjoyed my choices and are ready to save just as much as I am :)